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What Stories Will 'Pop' In 2012?

From music to TV to celebrity babies, MTV News looks ahead to all of the big releases expected in the coming months.
By Jocelyn Vena


Beyonce
Photo: Getty Images

<P>It's a new year and that means that there's lots of ooey-gooey pop goodness all ready to pour out in 2012. Between celebrity babies, music and Hollywood, fans should gear up for some really big stuff in the coming year. But if history has taught us anything, as hard as we might plan, pop culture always has a way of sneaking up and surprising us. Not that we're complaining. So get your planners out: MTV News is looking ahead at what to expect in the world of <i>pop</i> culture. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:717202" width="240" height="211"></div><p> <b>Music</b><br> There are lots of big album releases slated for 2012. Crossover queen Nicki Minaj will release Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded just in time to show her Barbz and Kenz some love on Valentine's Day. Madonna already has confirmed that she will drop her next album come spring. Fans already got a taste of it when the single "Gimme All Your Luvin' " leaked on the Internet. "American Idol" alum Adam Lambert is readying the release of his next album, <i>Trespassing,</i> set to drop in March. Willow Smith's fans should whip their hair back and forth as the tween's long-simmering debut album, <i>Knees and Elbows,</i> will finally drop in April. Justin Bieber has teased his Believe album for a summer release. He's shared that it will pick up where Justin Timberlake left off before he decided to focus on his acting. Basically, he's bringing sexy back. There are two forthcoming albums that don't have exact release dates but are highly anticipated nonetheless. Lady Gaga is already thinking about her next album and recently revealed to MTV News that she even has a title for her Born This Way follow-up in mind. Taylor Swift is knee-deep in and working hard on her follow-up to her phenomenally successful <i>Speak Now</i>. <b>TV</b><br> In between pumping out tunes, some big shows will also return in 2012. Everything from "The Secret Circle" to "2 Broke Girls" to "New Girl" will be back for more fun come the new year. After a break, "Pretty Little Liars" will be back midseason. Will we finally find out who "A" is when season 2 resumes on January 2? Well, only that texting antagonist knows the answer. There are many other mysteries on "The Vampire Diaries" that will also have to be resolved once that show picks up again on January 5. And if all that drama is too much to handle, "Glee" will be back for more sing-along good times on January 17, with the Michael Jackson tribute episode airing one week later. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:722067" width="240" height="211"></div><p> <b>Celebrity Babies</b><br> 2012 is poised to be a big year for famous babies. OK, so 2011 saw Mariah Carey and Dem Babies, but some of the most famous ladies in La La Land and beyond will become first-time moms in the new year, giving MC and her family a run for their money. Beyoncé and Jay-Z will welcome their first child into the world any day now. The twosome revealed they were in the family way at the VMAs back in August. Jessica Simpson and her fianc&#233;, Eric Johnson, will also welcome their first little bundle of joy. The news of the pregnancy came after a lot of speculation about Simpson's expanding midsection. As it turns out, it's a big year for triple-threat moms-to-be, with Hilary Duff also expecting a baby come 2012.</p>

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1676582/pop-culture-news-2012-beyonce-lady-g...

Ashley Tappin

Beyonce Mourns Etta James

'She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed,' Beyonce writes on her blog.
By Jocelyn Vena


Etta James and Beyoncé
Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Etta James died on Friday (January 20) at the age of 73 after a lengthy battle with leukemia. The singer is being remembered by Beyoncé, who has quite the history with her.

"This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen," Beyoncé wrote on her blog. "Her musical contributions will last a lifetime. Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed."

Photos: The life and career of Etta James.

B famously portrayed the blond jazz singer in the 2008 biopic "Cadillac Records." Her version of "At Last" from the film's soundtrack would later win a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance.

Beyoncé's version of James' iconic ballad once-again made headlines when she performed the track at President Obama's inaugural ball in 2009. The performance was initially met with some criticism from the always-outspoken James, but she later came around.

Beyoncé is the latest in a long line of celebrities paying tribute to James. "Showing respect, appreciation and love for all the wonderful music and joy #ettajames brought to the world...#ettajamesforever," Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am wrote on Twitter.

Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams recalled how James' music influenced her. "#EttaJames, I will be forever grateful for your voice and your soul. Rest in peace." Rapper Flo Rida — whose latest hit, "Good Feeling," samples James' "Something's Got a Hold on Me" — wrote, "I'm deeply saddened by the passing of the Great Etta James and I will be forever grateful for the gift she Blessed me with."

Share your condolences with Etta James' friends and family on our Facebook page.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677641/etta-james-beyonce.jhtml

Hayden Panettiere

Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber Top 'Celebs Gone Good'

DoSomething.org's annual list ranks the 20 most charity-friendly stars.
By Terri Schwartz


Lady Gaga
Photo: Scott Gries/ Picture Group

<P>Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and George Clooney better have received something nice from Santa this year, because they certainly weren't on his naughty list. Those three toplined DoSomething.org's Top 20 Celebs Gone Good, the organization's annual roundup of the most charity-friendly stars in the business. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:712657" width="240" height="211"></div><p> This is Gaga's second year in a row at the #1 spot. In 2011 she dedicated much of her time to putting an end to bullying and even started a new charitable organization called Born This Way. The "Marry the Night" singer did plenty more to help out those less fortunate in 2011, including auctioning off a nude sketch for charity and performing at the Bill Clinton Foundation fundraiser. However, this was really Bieber's year to shine. He rocketed up DoSomething.org's list from #10 last year to #2 this year. It helps that Bieber donated some of his profits from his Christmas album, <i>Under the Mistletoe</i>, and his self-named perfume to various charitable organizations. Bieber also kept up his work with Pencils of Promise, a group that has built 41 schools in Laos, Nicaragua and Guatemala and was founded by his manager's brother. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:683376" width="240" height="211"></div><p> Rounding out the top five were Will and Jada Pinkett Smith and Leonardo DiCaprio. This was a year for celeb power couples, with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie clocking at #8, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore at #12 and newlyweds Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert at #14. Other notable standouts this year were Demi Lovato at #10, Lea Michele making her charitable debut at #16, Daniel Radcliffe at #17, Miley Cyrus at #18 and Taylor Swift rounding out the list at #20. <i>What do you think of DoSomething.org's list? Leave your comments below!</i></p>

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1676499/do-something-org-celebs-gone-good-ju...

Jamie Gunns

Nicki Minaj Delays Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

Young Money rapper softens the blow of sophomore album's delay by premiering her 'Stupid H--' video.
By Nadeska Alexis


Nicki Minaj
Photo: Getty Images

Back in November, Nicki Minaj announced that her sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, would debut February 14, giving fans a little something extra to look forward to on Valentine's Day. Now, there's been a change of plans. Just a couple of hours after premiering the video for her latest single, "Stupid Hoe," on Friday (January 20) Minaj announced that the album would be delayed until April.

"New Album Date: April 3rd. Pink Friday: ROMAN RELOADED," she wrote to her throngs of followers on Twitter. "But have no fear. Tons of surprises before then ;). Love Always, HB."

Fans weren't thrilled to hear about the delay, but the new video for "Stupid Hoe" was enough to tide them over momentarily. In the colorful clip, directed by Hype Williams, Nicki is in full Barbie mode with bright makeup, her signature pink wig and prosthetic body parts, and she even gets a little ferocious, morphing into a caged tiger. With the sexy, bubblegum effect of the video, it's almost easy to forget that the track throws a few harsh words at her female critics, most notably Lil' Kim.

When "Stupid Hoe" originally premiered in December, the song held the first clue that Minaj might perform at Super Bowl XLVI ("2012 I'm at the Super Bowl," she raps), and the video confirms that suspicion. In the midst of the outrageous colors and special effects, the video cuts to a sign that reads "2012 Super Bowl," which means the Young Money rapper will likely perform alongside headliner Madonna.

After premiering the video, Minaj proceeded to retweet the overwhelmingly positive responses from her Barbz, who will likely be thrilled when she releases the album's second video for "Roman in Moscow." In December Minaj told MTV News that the visuals would set the stage for Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.

" 'Roman in Moscow' is like a teaser to Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded," Minaj said. "When I say it's a teaser, it's like a trailer to the movie, it's like setting the stage, and I just wanted to touch the surface. It's the wackest thing on Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded."

Did Nicki's new video tide you over until the release of Roman Reloaded? Let us know in the comments!

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677676/nicki-minaj-pink-friday-roman-reloaded-album-delay.jhtml

Dania Ramirez

Usher And David Guetta 'Proud' Of 'Without You'

'When you see R&B and pop and house, as well as electronic, come together, that's the reality of what music is,' Usher tells MTV News.
By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Jim Cantiello


Usher
Photo: MTV News

<P>When Usher and David Guetta hooked up for the French DJ's latest album, <i>Nothing but the Beat,</i> the two superstars created a chart-topping smash, "Without You," that combines Guetta's ear for house beats and Usher's ability to convey a range of emotions with his voice. It's a song that has really stuck with fans of all genres of music. </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:713197" width="240" height="211"></div><p> The track &#8212; a swirling pop ode to not giving up on love in the face of adversity &#8212; struck Usher with its emotional core. "David Guetta is an amazing artist," he told MTV News last week at a Pencils of Promise charity event. "We talked for many years about working together, and we found a record that was incredible." Usher said it was a song that resonated with him personally. "I think the world wanted a record like that. That [song] really spoke to the journey that I've actually been on in the last three years," he said. "Traveling all around the world, music sounds different. There's many different genres, and when you see R&B and pop and house, as well as electronic, come together, that's the reality of what music is." </p><div class="player-placeholder right" id="vid:688619" width="240" height="211"></div><p> When MTV News talked to Guetta on the American Music Awards red carpet Sunday, he said "Without You" is a standout track on the album. The LP dropped earlier this year and also includes Nicki Minaj, who performed with Guetta at the AMAs. "It's one of my favorite songs," he said. "It's just, I'm a DJ, so I want to make people dance always, but I also want to give emotions. When it comes to that, 'Without You' is probably one of the most emotional songs that I've done, and yes, I'm very proud of that record." <i>What do you think about "Without You"? Share your reviews in the comments!</i></p>

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1674782/usher-david-guetta-without-you.jhtml

Heidi Klum

Sundance 2012: The 10 Most-Anticipated Films

Spike Lee's 'Red Hook Summer' and 'Red Lights,' starring Robert De Niro, are among the movies we can't wait to see.
By Kevin P. Sullivan


Robert De Niro in "Red Lights"
Photo: Nostromo Pictures

With so many films making their world premieres at the Sundance Film Festival, it can be a dizzying task deciding which movies to keep an eye out for later in the year and which to forget about entirely.

We've scoured the listing of Park City, Utah, premieres, and here are the 10 films we can't wait to check out at Sundance this year.

"Smashed" Jesse Pinkman and Ron Swanson star in a movie together. If you haven't run out to Park City to catch that incredible duo in "Smashed," we can tell you that Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Aaron Paul play an alcoholic couple struggling to stay together after one of them decides to put down the bottle. Nick Offerman, his wife, Megan Mullally, and Octavia Spencer also star.

"Red Hook Summer" People are calling "Red Hook Summer" a welcome return to writer/director Spike Lee's roots. Before heading off to direct "Oldboy," the NYC auteur will bring his latest to Sundance. The film follows a young boy during a summer in Brooklyn and features the return of Mookie, the character Lee played in "Do the Right Thing." "Red Hook Summer" is said to be an emotional look at Lee's hometown borough.

"V/H/S" The old-school video format should make for some old-school scares in this horror collaboration from some of the genre's most notable up-and-comers, including Ti West and Adam Wingard. The movie centers on a group of burglars who are hired by a mysterious man to break into an abandoned house to retrieve a VHS cassette. From there, things get a little creepy.

"Simon Killer" The group of filmmakers from Brooklyn known as Borderline Films made a splash last year at Sundance with "Martha Marcy May Marlene." This year, one of that film's producers, Antonio Campos, gets to premiere his own directorial effort with "Simon Killer." In the film, a young man travels to Paris where he meets a prostitute and a whole mess of trouble.

"Celeste and Jesse Forever" Can you ever stay friends with your ex? Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg try to discover whether that is possible in this new film about modern relationships. Aside from an intriguing premise, "Celeste and Jesse Forever" sees both the leads playing new roles. Jones pulls double duty as the film's co-writer, while this marks Samberg's most dramatic role to date.

"Black Rock" You'd think that a girls' weekend away would be all fun and games, but this new thriller starring Kate Bosworth and Lake Bell turns out to be anything but that. Three friends travel to a remote island off the coast of Maine to have a good time, but this Sundance midnight movie quickly takes a turn toward something very dark.

"Shadow Dancer" Andrea Riseborough and Clive Owen play the leads in this Irish espionage thriller from director James Marsh. Riseborough stars as a single mother and active member of the IRA who falls into the hands of a British intelligence officer (Owen). After the MI5 agent offers her an ultimatum, she must betray her family and turn mole.

"Wish You Were Here" Joel Edgerton, star of "Animal Kingdom" and "Warrior," is quickly becoming an actor that you want to see onscreen. "Wish You Were Here" follows a group of four friends on a vacation abroad. After one of their party members goes missing, the remaining three attempt to return to their normal lives, but the memory of that fateful night won't leave them.

"Red Lights" I think we can all agree that Robert De Niro is due for a dark indie hit. He seems to have all the pieces in place with "Red Lights." Helmed by Rodrigo Cortés, breakout director of the Sundance hit "Buried," "Red Lights" follows a psychologist who must investigate a world-renowned psychic after a series of paranormal events.

"Safety Not Guaranteed" A film based solely around an Internet meme does not sound like a very promising proposition, but "Safety Not Guaranteed" just might be crazy enough to work. A group of young adults answers a classified ad looking for time-travel companions. At first they think the man behind the listing is insane, but things get complicated when one of the friends begins to fall for the would-be time traveler.

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Source: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1677608/sundance-2012-films.jhtml

Jessica Paré